Demon Slayer: Taking Care Of Tanjuro's Wife And Daughter

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After defeating the malicious demon, Ryuji didn't head home immediately. Instead, he chose to remain in the wilderness, training to adapt to the sudden surge of power coursing through his body. His strength had transcended the limits of ordinary humans, and without complete control, a single careless move could result in unintended destruction.

Throughout the night, Ryuji honed his newfound abilities. Each movement was deliberate, every strike controlled, as he sought to master the power that now defined him.

By the time the sun began to rise, casting its golden rays across the earth, Ryuji finally allowed himself a moment of rest.

"Phew..." he exhaled, his breath visible in the crisp morning air. His body felt heavy, yet there was a sense of accomplishment in the fatigue. "It's still not enough. If I lose focus for even a second..."

He clenched his fists, recalling the strength behind each punch, the force that could shatter boulders with ease. The thought of accidentally harming someone sent a chill down his spine.

Ryuji sighed and began the walk back to his home. His mind wandered to Kamado Kie. With his current physical condition, she was bound to notice his unease. She always did, even before his transformation.

As he approached the house, Ryuji's sharp senses picked up the presence of others. At his doorstep sat two familiar figures: Kochou Kanae and her younger sister, Kochou Shinobu.

Kanae rested her chin in her hands, her serene expression betraying a hint of worry. Shinobu, with her head resting on Kanae's lap, seemed to be dozing lightly.

Ryuji's eyes softened. He recognized the sisters well and felt a pang of sadness for their future. The tragedies that awaited them haunted his thoughts.

Sensing his presence, Kanae lifted her head. Her lavender eyes met his, and she gently nudged her sister.

"Shinobu, wake up. He's here."

Shinobu stirred, her violet eyes fluttering open. She quickly straightened, brushing off her skirt as she rose.

"Kochou Kanae greets you, sir," Kanae said with a polite bow, her voice calm and gentle.

"Kochou Shinobu greets you, sir," Shinobu followed, her voice tinged with nervousness.

Ryuji's gaze lingered on them for a moment, his expression unreadable. Kanae exuded quiet grace, while Shinobu's petite form and determined demeanor gave her a subtle fierceness.

"Come inside," he said simply, turning to open the door.

The sisters exchanged a quick glance, relief evident on their faces. Moments ago, under his piercing gaze, they had felt an overwhelming pressure, like prey before a predator.

As they entered, Kamado Tanjiro, was in the courtyard practicing his swordsmanship.

"Uncle!" Tanjiro called, pausing mid-swing. His face lit up despite the sweat dripping from his brow.

"Keep training," Ryuji instructed, his tone firm but not unkind.

"Yes, sir!" Tanjiro replied, lowering his head respectfully before returning to his drills.

Inside the house, Ryuji took a seat in the living room, gesturing for the sisters to sit. Both Kanae and Shinobu hesitated for a moment before lowering themselves onto the tatami mat across from him.

The room was quiet except for the faint rustling of the wind outside. Kanae sat composed, her hands folded neatly in her lap, while Shinobu fidgeted slightly, her fingers toying with the hem of her sleeve.

"I assume you've made up your minds," Ryuji said, breaking the silence. He sipped the tea Kie had prepared for him earlier, its warmth grounding him.

Kanae met his gaze, her expression resolute. "Yes, sir. My sister and I have decided."

Shinobu nodded in agreement, though her voice trembled slightly as she added, "We've come to offer our assistance... no matter what it takes."

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Ryuji set down his tea cup, letting his gaze fall momentarily. His eyes caught the graceful posture of Kanae, seated before him with calm determination. It wasn't just her elegance that caught his attention—there was an unmistakable strength hidden beneath her gentle demeanor.

Leaning back on the couch, Ryuji stretched his legs and let the tension in the room linger for a moment longer.

"The road to becoming a Demon Slayer is fraught with pain and sacrifice," he said, his voice low and measured. "It's not a path for the faint of heart. Are you truly prepared to walk this road?"

Kanae's expression wavered only slightly. She bit her lip before nodding. "I am prepared."

Ryuji's eyes flicked to Shinobu. The younger sister met his gaze with less certainty but no less resolve. Her small fists were clenched tightly at her sides.

"Even if it means losing your life someday?" he pressed.

"No matter what," Shinobu said firmly, her tone sharper than her elder sister's. Her violet eyes burned with unyielding determination, the kind forged by pain and anger.

Ryuji studied her for a long moment. He recognized that fire—the hatred for demons that consumed her, driving her forward. But hatred alone wouldn't be enough.

"And what if," he continued, his voice hardening, "the cost isn't just your own life, but your sister's? What if you're forced to sacrifice each other for this cause?"

Shinobu's face paled, and her resolve faltered. Kanae opened her mouth to respond, but Ryuji raised a hand to stop her. His sharp gaze remained fixed on Shinobu.

The younger girl's trembling hands betrayed her inner turmoil. She bit her lip so hard it nearly drew blood. For all her courage, the thought of losing her sister was unbearable.

"We've already made our decision," Shinobu said at last, her voice quiet but steady. "If we're to walk this path, we'll do so together. No matter what happens, we won't abandon each other."

Her words carried a tragic determination that made even Kanae's breath hitch.

"Good," Ryuji said, his tone unreadable. Rising from his seat, he stepped closer to the two sisters.

"Then prove it to me," he said, his voice like steel.

Kanae and Shinobu looked at him in confusion.

"Kneel before me and kiss my feet," he said simply.

The air in the room grew heavy.

Kanae's serene composure cracked, her face flushing with a mix of anger and disbelief. "What?" she asked, her voice uncharacteristically sharp. "Why would you humiliate us like this?"

Shinobu's eyes narrowed, the anger in her expression mirroring her sister's. "You can't possibly mean that!"

Ryuji remained unmoved. "Do it. Or leave. If you can't follow a simple command, how can I trust you to handle the challenges that await you as Demon Slayers? This is a life of sacrifice. You'll be forced to do things you despise—things that will test every fiber of your resolve. If you can't even do this, you're not ready."

Kanae hesitated, her fists clenching as she fought to control her emotions. "This is…"

Shinobu stepped forward, her small frame trembling with barely restrained anger. "This is cruel," she spat. But her voice wavered, and her hands shook as she moved to kneel.

"Shinobu, no," Kanae said, grabbing her sister's arm.

Shinobu turned to her sister, her violet eyes glistening with unshed tears but filled with fierce determination. "We have to," she said quietly. "If this is what it takes... I'll do it."

Kanae hesitated before nodding reluctantly. Together, the sisters began to lower themselves to the floor.

Before their knees could touch the ground, Ryuji's hands shot out, catching them both and pulling them upright.

"That's enough," he said softly, his tone gentler now. "I only wanted to see your resolve. And you've shown me."

The sisters looked up at him in confusion, their breaths shaky from the emotional strain.

Ryuji's expression softened, and a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "You've proven your determination. From now on, I'll train you personally. Go home and rest for tonight. Tomorrow, we begin."

As he stepped away, the sisters collapsed back onto the tatami, their strength drained. They exchanged a look—equal parts relief and exhaustion—and silently resolved to see this through to the end.

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